ChatGPT App Submission Process: Requirements & Review
Launching a great ChatGPT App is half product and half packaging. This guide gives you a concise, practical submission checklist, what reviewers look for, common rejection reasons, and a fix–resubmit plan—with links to deeper how-tos throughout.
If you’re just starting out, read What Are ChatGPT Apps? and How ChatGPT Apps Work, then build your MVP via Apps SDK Tutorial and MCP Server Tutorial.
1) Submission checklist (print this)
Product basics
- ✅ Works end-to-end on the “hero” use case (no dead ends)
- ✅ Inline UI follows best patterns (forms → preview → confirmation). See MCP Inline UI & Widgets
- ✅ Clear errors & validation; empty states handled
Safety & privacy
- ✅ Least-privilege scopes with plain-language consent copy
- ✅ PII policy & deletion path documented
- ✅ Keys rotated; no secrets in client. See Security, Data Privacy, Secrets Handling, Compliance & PII
Listing assets
- ✅ Outcome-oriented title & short subtitle
- ✅ 3–5 accurate screenshots or a brief clip of your inline UI
- ✅ 3 example prompts that mirror real intents
- ✅ Category/tags aligned to your use case
- ✅ Changelog entry for this submission
Operational
- ✅ Error logging & basic analytics wired. See Analytics for ChatGPT Apps
- ✅ Rate limits & retry/backoff in tool calls
- ✅ Status page or public incident note (optional but helpful)
Commerce (optional)
- ✅ ACP flow tested if you sell in-chat. See Agentic Commerce Protocol and How In-Chat Checkout Works
- ✅ Pricing in listing matches actual behavior. See Monetizing ChatGPT Apps
2) What reviewers look for
Fit & clarity
- Does the listing set correct expectations? (title, description, examples)
- Is the scope request justified by the flow?
Safety
- Data minimization, consent clarity, and revocability
- Robust error handling; no abusive patterns
Quality
- Predictable inline UI that completes tasks
- Reliability under normal network/API variance
- No misleading media or claims
Get familiar with expectations: App Verification & Review
3) How to write consent copy that passes
- Explain what you access and why (one sentence each).
- Tie each scope to the user benefit (“to save your itinerary for later edits”).
- Avoid “catch-all” scopes; split them and request on first need.
- State how users can revoke access.
See the broader model: Security for ChatGPT Apps
4) Listing that ranks and converts
Your listing influences in-chat suggestions and Directory ranking.
- Title: outcome-first (“Trip Planner: Plan & Book”).
- Description: 1–2 sentence benefits + 3 example prompts.
- Media: show the actual inline UI users will see.
- Tags: match the exact intents you serve.
Deep dive: ChatGPT App Directory • Ranking & SEO for Directory
5) Common rejection reasons (and fast fixes)
| Reason | Fix |
|---|---|
| Vague listing; mismatched screenshots | Rewrite title/desc; update media to real UI |
| Excessive scopes | Drop to least-privilege; request on first use |
| Confusing error states | Add validation & friendly messages; handle timeouts |
| Dead-end flows | Add confirmation + next-step actions |
| Privacy gaps | Document PII policy & deletion; link from listing |
| Misleading claims | Align copy with actual capabilities |
Run your pre-flight again with the checklist above, then resubmit.
6) Review outcomes & what to do next
- Approved: You’ll appear in search/browse; now optimize retention via Analytics.
- Changes requested: Address items; reply with specifics and new media.
- Rejected: Triage root causes (often safety or misrepresentation). Consider narrowing scope and simplifying the UX.
Keep iterating—small, meaningful updates improve ranking over time.
7) Pre-submission dry run (60 minutes)
- Record a 2–3 minute screen capture of the hero flow.
- Have a teammate follow your example prompts verbatim.
- Break the flow on purpose (invalid inputs, API timeout) to verify errors.
- Re-read your consent copy out loud; trim jargon.
- Confirm logs/metrics are captured end-to-end.
8) After approval: growth playbook
- Add a Getting Started section to your listing with 1–2 hero prompts.
- Ship weekly micro-updates (copy, screenshot order, one UI improvement).
- Watch funnel metrics (Directory view → launch → first-run success).
- Expand to one adjacent intent after your hero flow is reliable.
Then scale distribution with: App Directory Ranking & SEO
FAQs
How long does review take?
Varies; be ready to respond quickly to clarifications with specific changes.
Can I submit multiple categories?
Choose the best-fit category; adding more can dilute relevance.
Do I need ACP to launch?
No. Launch free value first; add in-chat checkout when your value loop is proven.
